MELODY VAUGHAN

MY VALUES AT WORK

“When they are dreaming they are dreaming of how something is changed in the doing.” – Lola Olufemi

“…there’s no single answer that will solve all our future problems. There’s no magic bullet. Instead there are thousands of answers at least. You can be one of them if you choose to be.” – Octavia E Butler

This section relates to the things I’m doing specifically in my practice to reduce the impact on other people and the planet during this time of polycrisis. Please be reassured that I’m doing the same work in my personal contexts too. For an insight into that take a look at my About section.

I work from home with clients based all over the UK. A significant proportion of the impact of my practice comes from the hardware & software systems, the online digital spaces that I use to do this work. In addition the way money is used within the systems of capitalism has far-reaching and complex effects. Here is how I am trying to mitigate some of the impact:

AI FREE

All the text, long form writing, artwork and photos on this website were created by me. I believe AI is a significant threat to our planet and to creativity.

PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY

I’m fully insured through a membership to a-n The Artists Information Company.

I financially support the work of The Artists’ Union.

To support me in my practice I work with a coach and a therapist who themselves have liberatory practices.

CARBON LITERACY

I completed my Carbon Literacy training in 2023. Here’s my certificate.

WEBSITE

This website was built by me using wordpress.org. It is hosted by 34SP.com a small UK-based company whose servers are powered by renewable energy.

For more info on green web practices visit the Green Web Foundation.

DATA

I try to minimise my data storage where possible and aim not to have to pay additional fees to companies. I regularly delete emails and photos, I try to avoid using cloud storage for sharing files. For my clients who like our sessions to be recorded I maintain a policy of deleting them after 1 month.

HARDWARE

I have been using this laptop since 2015. It’s still functioning. But when it is no longer repairable/useable I will replace it with refurbished. The impact of our devices on the people and land of the Global South is well documented – I am committed to not buying new.

SOFTWARE

I am actively seeking alternatives to most of the software I use, so that I am no longer contributing to huge companies with no morals. There may not always be perfect solutions but any improvement feels worth it to me.

Goals for 2025

Switch email & calendar providers from google to a more ethical alternative (eg Posteo)
Cancel Adobe subscriptions and find alternatives to Photoshop & InDesign
Find alternative to zoom

ONLINE PLATFORMS

Social media/marketing

I use Instagram and Substack in very low key ways for connection and marketing. I use Mailchimp for my email list.

I don’t feel it’s possible right now to completely detach from social media. I want to maintain some connection to the creative industries, craft sector, maker networks for my practice (as well as using them for staying connected with what is happening in the world). I accept the deeply problematic nature of using these platforms within the context of trying to push for liberated futures, but I also know that there currently isn’t a viable alternative. This is under constant review.

Courses

Since my practice shifted due to long-covid, I no longer run online courses or conduct group programmes online. However, if/when I do feel this is appropriate for me, the platform of choice will be The Portal where fantastic humans are ‘building new worlds through community, collaboration + collective imagination’.

BANKING

I bank with smile (Co-op). There are many great options for green banking and it’s simple to switch. More info here.

Pensions have a huge impact on people & planet. There are limited ethical options so this is a case of finding the least bad choice.

Goal for 2025

move pension into the ‘best’ option I can find

DIVESTMENT

I currently divest between 10-15% of my earned income. I support predominantly grassroots organisations, mutual aid organisations and individuals.

My divestment practice has been/continues to be informed directly by the work of Dra Rocio Rosales Meza, Toi Smith, Robin Wall Kimmerer, Bear Hebert, Resource Justice and Post-capitalist philanthropy.

Other places you can find me: